Itineraries
Experiences, Events, and Spots
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Experiences, Events, and Spots
Hirakata City Former Tanaka Family Foundry Folk Museum
This museum, unique in Japan, conveys the history of casting. It uses the "Tanaka Family Residence, Foundry and Main House," a tangible cultural property designated by Osaka Prefecture, and displays materials related to casting and casting craftsmen in the foundry, while the main house displays folk materials such as agriculture and folk tools. It also displays the remains of a relocated Yayoi period dwelling excavated from an archaeological site within the city, as well as a restored Yayoi period pit dwelling.
Basic information
Throughout the Edo period, the Tanaka family cast pots, kettles, and farm tools used in the daily lives of local people, as well as temple bells. Even after modern factories were built all over Japan in the Meiji period, the family continued to operate by preserving traditional techniques, but closed down around 1960.
Hirakata City received a donation of the foundry and main house, both of which are valuable cultural heritage, and relocated and restored them to become a specialized museum related to casting, which is rare in Japan. The museum also features replica models of tatara (bellows) and casting, as well as an exhibition of magic mirrors, and the experience workshop hosts courses where visitors can try their hand at "casting," "metal engraving," and "cloisonné ware," and the workshop is also available for rent to citizens engaged in creative activities such as arts and crafts.
| Event period and date | All year round |
|---|---|
| Business hours and holidays | 9:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Every Monday (or the following day if it is a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 4th) |
| Price | Free of charge |
| Contact Us | 枚方市立旧田中家鋳物民俗資料館 050-7105-8097 |
| Official website | https://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/0000002648.html |
| Address | 5-1 Fujisaka Tenjincho, Hirakata City |
| Access |
7 minutes walk from JR Fujisaka Station |
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Hirakatashuku juku Kagiya Municipal Museum
KawachiKagiya was a bustling inn during the Edo period as a place to wait for the 30 koku ships that connected Fushimi and Osaka, and operated as a traditional Japanese restaurant until 1997. In the same year, the main house of Kagiya was designated as a cultural property of the city, and is a historic building that retains the style of the Edo period, which is extremely rare. The city dismantled and restored the house after it was donated, and it opened as the Hirakatashuku Kagiya Municipal Museum on July 3, 2001. The Kagiya site was designated as a historic site by the city in 1998. In 2023, the annex was registered as a national cultural property.
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Special Historic Site: Baekje Temple Ruins
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Hirakata City Cultural Arts Center
KawachiThis facility, which opened in August 2021 (Reiwa 3), is a base for cultural and artistic activities in Hirakata City. It is equipped with two halls, one large and one small, for cultural and artistic performances such as music and theater, an event hall suitable for lectures and various parties, an art gallery, a creative activity room, and more. There is also a lush green plaza in front of the facility and a cafe.
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Kishida Farm Strawberry Picking
KawachiThis strawberry picking facility opened in the Hotani area in 2019. In addition to strawberry picking, they also sell Hirakata brand strawberries, strawberry packs, and honey.
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Takeyasu Farm Strawberry Picking
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Itineraries
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Osaka National Treasure Three Kannon Temples Pilgrimage (only on April 17th and 18th, 2025)
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Discover！
KawachiStroll through the old townscape, stop at a historic winery for a tasting, and finish off with a satisfying yakiniku meal. This luxurious course lets you savor delicious food while learning about the history and food culture of the Minamikawachi area.
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Experience the rich nature and history of Kawachinagano
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Enjoy grapes and wine in the famous Kawachi area
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Visit shrines and temples with miraculous powers that have been revered since ancient times
Kawachi, Osaka CityOsaka, a city with a long history, is home to many ancient shrines and temples. Since ancient times, they have attracted deep reverence from the people, and even today they continue to be affectionately referred to as "Mr. X". The history and benefits of each shrine vary, but if you visit and pray quietly, you will be able to feel the miraculous power of their presence.
